it was an opportunity for the media to discuss the draft with murray and a couple others...not an official presser
- Michael Pachla

bummer

The Stamkos at all costs thing has got to go. 12mill a year for 7 is just crazy. How many cups has he won in Tampa, with a really good team????
Not worth it. Get Vesey on board, and spend some money on D.
- bobmack13

This is terrible logic. Guess since Eichel hasn't won a cup we should give up on him too.

The Stamkos at all costs thing has got to go. 12mill a year for 7 is just crazy. How many cups has he won in Tampa, with a really good team????
Not worth it. Get Vesey on board, and spend some money on D.
- bobmack13

I can't believe people want to pass on A elite player for free

This is terrible logic. Guess since Eichel hasn't won a cup we should give up on him too.
- MattFreaknEllis

12mil a year, how's that for logic. The team is being built properly. We don't need Stamkos doesn't fit the build. Vesey, or another LW, and a scoring D man (Shattenkirk would be a good candidate), and we'll be fine.

12mil a year, how's that for logic. The team is being built properly. We don't need Stamkos doesn't fit the build. Vesey, or another LW, and a scoring D man (Shattenkirk would be a good candidate), and we'll be fine.
- bobmack13

Raise your expectations. We have been through hell as sports fans. We deserve a Stamkos for once in a lifetime

bummer
- Mentalorgasm5

You didn't miss much Murray said very little insightful. Takeaways, if you're to believe him;

Unlikely we trade up or out of the #8 pick

There focusing on 3 players at the #8, at least one or two will still be there

He won't make all 11 picks, because doesn't have the contracts for that

Hasn't talked to Jack about Vesey as of yet (I don't believe this), but would be tool not to do so

Anybody they take at #8 is prob a year away

http://www.wgr550.com/pag...Type=4&contentId=18775941

Update. Can't sign Vesey until 7/1. No contact with Foligno or Johnson, some with Girgensons and Risto.

I can't believe people want to pass on A elite player for free
- GERBE!!!75PTS

I am on the Stamkos train. I would go up to $12 million. If we get him for $10 - $11 - great.

Opportunities like Stamkos rarely happen. Go all in or go home.

12mil a year, how's that for logic. The team is being built properly. We don't need Stamkos doesn't fit the build. Vesey, or another LW, and a scoring D man (Shattenkirk would be a good candidate), and we'll be fine.
- bobmack13

But you would pay him 10 or 11 mil? I see an elite player turned away over 1-2 million in cap space. That's ridiculous if you ask me.

I'd be weary of going above 11-12. But I think it's still worth it.

Even if he only scored 35 goals 70 points, adding him to Eichel + Reinhart on cheap ELC's would be similar to having 3 5mil forwards for at least 2 years.

If Stamkos was 29-30, Id be very, very hesitant
- sbroads24

Signing Stamkos to take all that spotlight away from Eichel and Reinhart could also help make them into 60-70 pt guys too. Every team puts their top pairing on the ice for Stamkos's line.. then they get 2nd line.

But you would pay him 10 or 11 mil? I see an elite player turned away over 1-2 million in cap space. That's ridiculous if you ask me.
- MattFreaknEllis

I will say one thing. If you add Stamkos, you absolutely need to draft well to remain competitive long term.

You won't be able to bail yourself out in FA or trading for big contracts.

Raise your expectations. We have been through hell as sports fans. We deserve a Stamkos for once in a lifetime
- sbroads24

I like Stamkos as much as the next guy. I just can't see his salary/ role fitting in to our team as it is built right now. Are you going to slide him over to wing (his natural position being center)?If he stays at center, is Eichel/O'Rielly a 3rd line center? Would you slide O'Rielly over to wing, even though he's' a great center?
I just don't see the fit.

I love what he brings, but still have a question mark or two and that doesn't even include health issues...with kane and toews, I love what they bring and have no question marks concerning either
- Michael Pachla

Really? No question marks surrounding Kane?

Love the hockey player, think the actual person leaves a lot to be desired though.

I will say one thing. If you add Stamkos, you absolutely need to draft well to remain competitive long term.

You won't be able to bail yourself out in FA or trading for big contracts.
- sbroads24

I agree. Any competitive team has to draft well in order to stay that way.

Just went on Twitter. The Finnish guy says you're all stupid.

Weird statement and not really sure if it's true. But it's fun to speculate!
- CaptainRivet

That guy is full of crap but I love talking about the rumours.

Signing Stamkos to take all that spotlight away from Eichel and Reinhart could also help make them into 60-70 pt guys too. Every team puts their top pairing on the ice for Stamkos's line.. then they get 2nd line.
- JVince11

I think that if you keep Eichel, and Reinhart together for a full season, they are 60-70 pt. guys anyway. What do you do w/ O'Reilly?

I will say one thing. If you add Stamkos, you absolutely need to draft well to remain competitive long term.

You won't be able to bail yourself out in FA or trading for big contracts.
- sbroads24

Considering our GM is a self proclaimed rink rat as well as the fact that I like what Devine has found over the years, I think that's an expectation that they should be able to meet.

I think that if you keep Eichel, and Reinhart together for a full season, they are 60-70 pt. guys anyway. What do you do w/ O'Reilly?
- bobmack13

One of either Stamkos or O'Reilly would need to play wing I would think. And since both of them have done this throughout their careers, I don't see the problem with that.

I agree. Any competitive team has to draft well in order to stay that way.
- MattFreaknEllis

True, it would just be especially crucial after Jack/Sam ELC's.

Signing Stamkos to take all that spotlight away from Eichel and Reinhart could also help make them into 60-70 pt guys too. Every team puts their top pairing on the ice for Stamkos's line.. then they get 2nd line.
- JVince11

Seriously

Line 1 would atleast have Stamkos-O'Reilly
Line 2 would atleast have Eichel-Reinhart

As we stand right now Ennis and Kane would be the other 2 in the top 6

Those are pretty damn dangerous lines

Really? No question marks surrounding Kane?

Love the hockey player, think the actual person leaves a lot to be desired though.
- HonkFortheGoose

on-ice...shoulda qualified that statement

That looks like my campsite at Lake George last year. tents?
- TheSabresTaco

Yeah, oswegatchie river by canoe

One of either Stamkos or O'Reilly would need to play wing I would think. And since both of them have done this throughout their careers, I don't see the problem with that.
- HonkFortheGoose

My unpopular guess is we won't be going after Stamkos. we have plenty of centers. is this a ploy by gmtm to drive the price up??

I think that if you keep Eichel, and Reinhart together for a full season, they are 60-70 pt. guys anyway. What do you do w/ O'Reilly?
- bobmack13

ROR has played both wings plus center. Stamkos can play RW and Center as well.

I don't see it as that big of a deal even though there has been chatter that both want to stay at Center long term.

I hate to say it.... maybe Eichel plays wing for a few years like Reinhart is now?

ROR has played both wings plus center. Stamkos can play RW and Center as well.

I don't see it as that big of a deal even though there has been chatter that both want to stay at Center long term.

I hate to say it.... maybe Eichel plays wing for a few years like Reinhart is now?
- JVince11

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!